Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tea NJ
Last week, Tea NJ announced they would be starting delivery service! They began their trial run on Saturday, and have now officially confirmed they will deliver within a 1.5 mile radius of the shop.
Koro Koro Rice Ball Cafe
Koro Koro Rice Ball Cafe, the onigiri cafe coming to downtown Jersey City on Jersey Avenue, was officially funded by Kickstarter over the weekend and raised over $12,000!
They also announced that they have completed construction, passed all their building inspections, and just have a few more Health Department and other bureaucratic matters to handle before they are ready to open! Of course, considering this is Jersey City and the process constantly seems to get dragged out, they haven't announced an official opening date and there may still be a bit of a wait, but it definitely seems to be progressing quickly.
They also announced that they have completed construction, passed all their building inspections, and just have a few more Health Department and other bureaucratic matters to handle before they are ready to open! Of course, considering this is Jersey City and the process constantly seems to get dragged out, they haven't announced an official opening date and there may still be a bit of a wait, but it definitely seems to be progressing quickly.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Hudson Restaurant Week, Summer 2014
Hudson Restaurant Week is here!
Beginning today, July 28th and running through Friday, August 8th, restaurants all over Hudson County will be participating in Hudson Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Prices for lunch range from $13-$20 and dinners run from $23-$40 depending on the restaurant.
Beginning today, July 28th and running through Friday, August 8th, restaurants all over Hudson County will be participating in Hudson Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Prices for lunch range from $13-$20 and dinners run from $23-$40 depending on the restaurant.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Community News
- Tomorrow kicks off Hudson Restaurant Week! Start making your reservations to take advantage of great deals in Jersey City and all around Hudson County.
- Thank you and congratulations to The Jersey City Project and all the vendors and workers involved on an incredible, fun, and delicious event yesterday, Project: Eats!
- If you missed it, Milk Sugar Love had an amazing and extremely informative write-up in the Star-Ledger this week
- Congratulations to Hoboken Farms, whose marinara sauce "Big Red Marinara" took second place in a tasting of jarred tomato sauces from across the state. You can find the sauce at the HDSID and Hamilton Park Farmers' Markets.
Riverview Peach Pie Contest!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Weekend Events
Although one of the major events of this weekend is JC Project:Eats, there's lots more happening in Jersey City!
On Saturday, Zeppelin Hall is holding a Masskrugstemmen contest beginnging at 11pm. What is a Masskrugstemmen contest, you ask? Well, according to Zeppelin Hall, Masskrugstemmen
The winner of the competition wins a free night in New York City and will compete in the National Championship at the Steuben Day Fest in Central Park on Saturday, September 20th where the first prize is an all expense paid trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Project: Eats!
This Saturday, July 26th, The Jersey City Project is hosting what will probably be the best event ever (by my standards), Project: EATS!
Ever since the announcement came out, I've been looking forward to this. Not just for the food, but because The Jersey City Project creates amazing, varied, and vibrant markets full of delicious food, interesting, unique crafts, home goods, and specially-crafted furniture. There's always something for everyone and this market promises to be no different.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Annual Newport Beach Party and Food Festival!
I hope you're ready to celebrate summer because tomorrow is the Annual Newport Beach Party and Food Festival!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Community News
- There's a new food truck in Jersey City! The Chopping Block opened today at the Farmers' Market at Lincoln Park, offering gourmet sandwiches and salads. Here's a partial menu pic, courtesy of Twitter friend @amywilson
- Congratulations to Jersey City Veggie Burgers on celebrating two years in business!
- Krispy Pizza, located throughout New York and New Jersey, is coming soon to the Paulus Hook area of Jersey City. Check out The Jersey City Life's post for more info.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Weekend Events
This weekend, the monthly 6th Borough Market returns to downtown Jersey City with vintage goods, crafts, family-friendly activities, and food! Amongst the many vendors, Thirsty Quaker, Jersey City Veggie Burgers, Milk Sugar Love, Choc O Pain, Dark Side of the Moo, Cholita Dessert Bar, and ModCup will all be there to help you keep up your strength as you shop.
The market starts at 11am and runs until 5pm on Sunday behind City Hall at Montgomery and Marin.
The market starts at 11am and runs until 5pm on Sunday behind City Hall at Montgomery and Marin.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Milk Sugar Love's Grand Opening
Congratulations to Milk Sugar Love on celebrating their Grand Opening!
The store is celebrating its grand opening today, beginning at 3pm and running until 7pm with free mini-cones and lots of cold brew from Stumptown.
Milk Sugar Love has been serving the Jersey City community for over a year (lucky us!) and it boggles my mind that there might still be people out there who haven't tried it. Please don't wait any longer.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Community News
- If you haven't already checked it out, this piece from food.curated on the bread and butter at Razza is a must-see.
- The Jersey City Homebrew Club is now selling tickets for their Summer Walking Tour. There are four stops throughout Hoboken and Jersey City.
- No Sugar Added Peanut Butter and Cherry Amaretto are back at Downtown Yogurt for July and they're also offering cranberry granola and fresh watermelon as new toppings.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Weekend Events
World Cup Fever is still going strong and Jersey Girls Food Tours is collaborating with Iron Monkey to make sure you get the most out of it! Join them for their Finals Viewing Party on Sunday, July 13th beginning at 1pm where a $10 ticket will grant you access to watching the finals on a 72" projector, drink specials, and an international buffet with dessert provided by Cholita Dessert Bar.
JuiceWell is having a July Special, offering 20% off any 3 or 5 day cleanse but you have to purchase by July 14th!
This Friday marks the start of the three day St. Anthony's Festival on 6th Street between Monmouth and Brunswick streets. There will live music, lots of food (italian, polish, filipino, and spanish), games, rides and more! It goes from 5pm-11pm Friday and Saturday and from noon-10pm on Sunday.
See Spot Rescued and Hound About Town are hosting an adoption event in Hamilton Park this Saturday from 12pm-4pm and GP's will be hosting their first Saturday Brunch in support, along with puppy fro-yo from Milk Sugar Love and a wine tasting with Madame Claude from 3pm-4pm.
This Saturday is also Lucky 7's Rock N Roll BBQ! Beginning at 1 and running until close, there's a huge line-up of live bands, tons of beer and drinks, and plenty of BBQ all outside on Second Street between Coles St. and Jersey Ave.
Have a great weekend, Jersey City!
JuiceWell is having a July Special, offering 20% off any 3 or 5 day cleanse but you have to purchase by July 14th!
This Friday marks the start of the three day St. Anthony's Festival on 6th Street between Monmouth and Brunswick streets. There will live music, lots of food (italian, polish, filipino, and spanish), games, rides and more! It goes from 5pm-11pm Friday and Saturday and from noon-10pm on Sunday.
See Spot Rescued and Hound About Town are hosting an adoption event in Hamilton Park this Saturday from 12pm-4pm and GP's will be hosting their first Saturday Brunch in support, along with puppy fro-yo from Milk Sugar Love and a wine tasting with Madame Claude from 3pm-4pm.
This Saturday is also Lucky 7's Rock N Roll BBQ! Beginning at 1 and running until close, there's a huge line-up of live bands, tons of beer and drinks, and plenty of BBQ all outside on Second Street between Coles St. and Jersey Ave.
Have a great weekend, Jersey City!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Grandma Downtown is Bringing Specialty Homemade Bread to the Farmers' Market
One of the new vendors this year at the HDSID Farmers' Market at Grove Street is Grandma Downtown, owned and operated by Krista Zevoteck. Inspired by her Sicilian grandmother who lived in downtown Jersey City, Grandma Downtown is a fledgling Italian-American bakery that focuses on stuffed breads and rolls. There are usually large loaves, mini-loaves, a variety of stuffed rolls, breadcups, and grissini (herbed breadsticks) available.
When I visited, I got an onion roll and what I imagine is now probably one of their biggest sellers, the double-smoked bacon with smoked mozzarella roll. Made with thick-cut Schaller Weber bacon and fresh smoked mozzarella, the roll bakes up to be slightly chewy with a nice crust on the top. The bread is fairly dense but light and baked completely through without any soggy or overly doughy parts still left. The bacon and mozzarella impart a meaty, smoky flavor into the bread so each bite is is a bit salty, a bit smoky, and even a little sweet and creamy. The cheese melts to gooey indulgence but doesn't become overwhelming. While a couple of bites were on the salty side and I did wish the bacon had been cooked down a bit more, for the most part, this was a delicious and hearty roll.
After the bacon and mozzarella roll, I was worried the onion roll might pale a bit in comparison, but quite the opposite. It had a very different flavor although the roll itself seemed to be the same dough. The onions were cooked to a melt-in-your mouth tender sweetness with savory herbs liberally used throughout the roll that almost made me nostalgic for Thanksgiving stuffing. It was homey, familiar tasting and incredibly flavorful even it its simplicity. This is one of several vegetarian rolls that Grandma Downtown typically has available.
Every week seems to bring new and tempting flavor combinations including some sweet options like banana walnut nutella and I can't wait to keep trying more and more. If you can't make it to the market, Grandma Downtown also has an Etsy shop where you can purchase these delicious home-baked goods.
When I visited, I got an onion roll and what I imagine is now probably one of their biggest sellers, the double-smoked bacon with smoked mozzarella roll. Made with thick-cut Schaller Weber bacon and fresh smoked mozzarella, the roll bakes up to be slightly chewy with a nice crust on the top. The bread is fairly dense but light and baked completely through without any soggy or overly doughy parts still left. The bacon and mozzarella impart a meaty, smoky flavor into the bread so each bite is is a bit salty, a bit smoky, and even a little sweet and creamy. The cheese melts to gooey indulgence but doesn't become overwhelming. While a couple of bites were on the salty side and I did wish the bacon had been cooked down a bit more, for the most part, this was a delicious and hearty roll.
After the bacon and mozzarella roll, I was worried the onion roll might pale a bit in comparison, but quite the opposite. It had a very different flavor although the roll itself seemed to be the same dough. The onions were cooked to a melt-in-your mouth tender sweetness with savory herbs liberally used throughout the roll that almost made me nostalgic for Thanksgiving stuffing. It was homey, familiar tasting and incredibly flavorful even it its simplicity. This is one of several vegetarian rolls that Grandma Downtown typically has available.
Every week seems to bring new and tempting flavor combinations including some sweet options like banana walnut nutella and I can't wait to keep trying more and more. If you can't make it to the market, Grandma Downtown also has an Etsy shop where you can purchase these delicious home-baked goods.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Sam a.m. is Having a Special Supper Club this Thursday
If you've been wanting to try Sam a.m.'s supper club, but have found the cost and/or amount of courses a little much for you, then this Thursday is your chance to enjoy!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Community News
- Congratulations to Thirty Acres for being included on Eater's 38 Essential New York restaurants!
- The Liberty Science Center is having a Rubik's Cube Cake-Off! The deadline to enter is tomorrow 7/7.
- The Dark Side of the Moo got written up in The Jersey Journal for their wide variety of exotic meats and was reported on by CNBC.
- The NY Times went on an ice cream tasting expedition which included Kwality Ice Cream near Journal Square.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
4th of July hits Jersey City!
The countdown towards the holiday weekend has begun! (It actually began on Monday....)
First off, the main event this weekend is the 4th of July "Freedom & Fireworks Festival" on Friday in Liberty State Park. With live music, lots of food, and fireworks, this is shaping up to be the event of the year!
There will be a whole section of food trucks and stands, both local and visiting, including Milk Sugar Love, Nuchas Empanadas, Jack's Sliders and Sushi, Toum NYC, The Hamilton Inn and many more. Take a look at the map and schedule, courtesy of Jersey City Project.
There will also be a party being hosted by Councilwoman Candice Osbourne at Peninsula Park that will have a great view of the fireworks, music, local food vendors like Mordi's and Carmella and kid-friendly activities!
But if you want to get started early, Barcade is having a 3rd of July Party on Thursday beginning at 12 pm with a special menu, free hot dogs, and a great tap list.
Want more beer? Thirsty Quaker, besides being able to stock you for all your holiday drinking needs, is having a Smuttynose tasting from 6pm-8pm tonight.
First off, the main event this weekend is the 4th of July "Freedom & Fireworks Festival" on Friday in Liberty State Park. With live music, lots of food, and fireworks, this is shaping up to be the event of the year!
There will be a whole section of food trucks and stands, both local and visiting, including Milk Sugar Love, Nuchas Empanadas, Jack's Sliders and Sushi, Toum NYC, The Hamilton Inn and many more. Take a look at the map and schedule, courtesy of Jersey City Project.
There will also be a party being hosted by Councilwoman Candice Osbourne at Peninsula Park that will have a great view of the fireworks, music, local food vendors like Mordi's and Carmella and kid-friendly activities!
But if you want to get started early, Barcade is having a 3rd of July Party on Thursday beginning at 12 pm with a special menu, free hot dogs, and a great tap list.
Want more beer? Thirsty Quaker, besides being able to stock you for all your holiday drinking needs, is having a Smuttynose tasting from 6pm-8pm tonight.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Mordi's Schnitzel Truck!
Mordi's Schnitzel Truck joined the growing ranks of Jersey City food trucks a couple of months ago, and ever since, the rave reviews have been pouring in. With a menu based more in the Israeli/Mediterranean style rather than Eastern European, Mordi's offers chicken and eggplant schnitzel on sandwiches and salads.
On my first visit, I ordered the schnitzel I'd been hearing the most about, the Vegetarian. Made with eggplant schnitzel (thin pieces of eggplant breaded and fried), the Vegetarian is served on an Italian baguette spread with house-made parsley tahini and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, cucumber and sumac pickled red onions. Even as I placed the order, another customer waiting turned to me and nodding sagely, said "Good choice".... so the bar was set pretty high. And I'm very happy to report all my expectations were met and then some.
The eggplant was thin but substantial with a perfectly-fried crunchy exterior that led to a rich, almost buttery interior that was delicious on it's own but even better paired with all the other ingredients. What was really interesting is that the eggplant acted almost like more of a complement to the other ingredients rather than the other way around. Instead of each of those ingredients adding flavor to the eggplant, its creamy flavor smoothed out the intensity of the picked vegetables and the sumac from the onion. There was a bit of spice, a great fresh herb flavor from the tahini, and all of the vegetables added some nice crunch and freshness, creating a really delicious sandwich.
The next time I went to Mordi's, I ordered the Italiano sandwich with chicken schnitzel, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, sumac picked red onions, lettuce, roasted peppers and aioli. The tomatoes and peppers were extremely juicy, really creating the flavor base of the sandwich. The chicken schnitzel was very well-cooked, just like the eggplant. Crispy on the outside with still-tender chicken that hadn't crossed the line into rubbery. With all of these ingredients, I was expecting the sandwich to be on the heavier side but again, the vegetables and vinegary tang helped create a really fresh, flavorful sandwich that was relatively light. That's not to say it isn't filling - it definitely is (I'd say you could split a sandwich and a side with someone and be more than satisfied), but these aren't gutbombs. The schnitzel portion is substantial, but it's not what is making up the bulk of the sandwich.
All in All
Mordi's is a great and exciting new addition to the food truck scene in Jersey City and even just to the food scene in general. Beyond the schnitzel they're currently offering, Mordi's also has sides including house-made marinated olives and they've been offering fresh, homemade falafel as a recurring special and yesterday, they introduced a schnitzel platter so I'm sure there's plenty more to come. My one complaint is that the baguettes for the sandwiches can be a bit tough and chewy but on the other hand, they hold everything together really well and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sandwich. Other than that, I found the prices pretty reasonable and portions generous and again, everything just seemed really fresh. Both of my sandwiches were excellent and if you haven't been already.....stop waiting. Just go.
Mordi's can be found traveling around Jersey City - they offer lunch and dinner service most weekdays and are at a lot of events around town on the weekends as well. Check their twitter to stay updated.
On my first visit, I ordered the schnitzel I'd been hearing the most about, the Vegetarian. Made with eggplant schnitzel (thin pieces of eggplant breaded and fried), the Vegetarian is served on an Italian baguette spread with house-made parsley tahini and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, cucumber and sumac pickled red onions. Even as I placed the order, another customer waiting turned to me and nodding sagely, said "Good choice".... so the bar was set pretty high. And I'm very happy to report all my expectations were met and then some.
All in All
Mordi's is a great and exciting new addition to the food truck scene in Jersey City and even just to the food scene in general. Beyond the schnitzel they're currently offering, Mordi's also has sides including house-made marinated olives and they've been offering fresh, homemade falafel as a recurring special and yesterday, they introduced a schnitzel platter so I'm sure there's plenty more to come. My one complaint is that the baguettes for the sandwiches can be a bit tough and chewy but on the other hand, they hold everything together really well and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sandwich. Other than that, I found the prices pretty reasonable and portions generous and again, everything just seemed really fresh. Both of my sandwiches were excellent and if you haven't been already.....stop waiting. Just go.
Mordi's can be found traveling around Jersey City - they offer lunch and dinner service most weekdays and are at a lot of events around town on the weekends as well. Check their twitter to stay updated.